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Corbett

Corbett, located in the Ramganga valley, is named after the famous hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett. t is, especially, meant for those who love to connect with nature and wish to see wild life in its natural habitat. Jim Corbett National Park was declared as an almost exclusive tiger reserve on 1st April 1973, with the help of World Wildlife Fund.

History:

Some areas of the park were formerly part of the princely state of Tehri Garhwal. The forests were cleared to make the area less vulnerable to Rohilla invaders. The Raja of Tehri formally ceded a part of his princely state to the East India Company in return for their assistance in ousting the Gurkhas from his domain. The Boksas—a tribe from the Terai—settled on the land and began growing crops, but in the early 1860s they were evicted with the advent of British rule. The British forest department established control over the land and prohibited cultivation and the operation of cattle stations. The British administration considered the possibility of creating a game reserve there in 1907 and established a reserve area known as Hailey National Park covering 323.75 km2 (125.00 sq mi) in 1936. The preserve was renamed in 1954–55 as Ramganga National Park and was again renamed in 1955–56 as Corbett National Park. The new name honours the well-known author and wildlife conservationist Jim Corbett, who played a key role in creating the reserve by using his influence to persuade the provincial government to establish it.

The reserve does not allow hunting, but does permit timber cutting for domestic purposes. Soon after the establishment of the reserve, rules prohibiting killing and capturing of mammals, reptiles and birds within its boundaries were passed. The park fared well during the 1930s under an elected administration. But during the Second World War, it suffered from excessive poaching and timber cutting. Over time the area in the reserve was increased—797.72 km2 (308.00 sq mi) were added in 1991 as a buffer for the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The 1991 additions included the entire Kalagarh forest division, assimilating the 301.18 km2 (116.29 sq mi) area of Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary as a part of the Kalagarh division. It was chosen in 1974 as the location for launching Project Tiger, an ambitious and well-known wildlife conservation project. The reserve is administered from its headquarters in the district of Nainital.

Corbett National Park is one of the thirteen protected areas covered by World Wildlife Fund under their Terai Arc Landscape Programme. The programme aims to protect three of the five terrestrial flagship species, the tiger, the Asian elephant and the Great One-horned Rhinoceros, by restoring corridors of forest to link 13 protected areas of Nepal and India to enable wildlife migration.

Accessibility:

By Air: Patanagar airport, nearly 50 km, is the nearest airport to Corbett National Park. Nearest International airport is New Delhi, which is about 260 km.

By Rail: Ramnagar railway station is the nearest railhead which is about 60 km away.

By Road: Corbett National Park bus station connects to all nearby cities by the public transport systems in Uttarakhand state. Deluxe and semi deluxe buses can be availed from Delhi to Corbett National park.

Shopping:

Corbett is one of the best wild life sanctuaries in India. Shopping is not really on the itinerary of tourists heading for this tiger reserve.However for those who wish to take home souvenirs from India may stop at Delhi, which is a shopper's paradise.

Bird Watching
Corbett national park is home to over 580 species of birds, a treat for the birdwatchers. Most of the water birds are migrants and visit the park in winters. Some of the migrant Corbett birds are graylag, bareheaded goose, duck grepe, snipe, sandpiper, gull and wagtail. The resident birds are darters, cormorants, egrets, herons, the black-necked stork and the spur winged lapwings.

Camping & Night Stay
Tourists can haunt the Corbett Park for a complete day by staying for a night in the reserve. Camping options in Jim Corbett are provided by the forest guest houses which are located inside the national park. Tourists can also put up in Dhikala, which is located at the edge of Patli Dun valley through which the river Ramganga flows. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Corbett as it offers an uninterrupted bird’s eye view of the entire valley.

Fishing
Fishing in Corbett is permitted in Ramganga, Kosi, Mandal and Kothari rivers. Seek permission from the park authorities before you go on fishing. You can hire rods which are available inside the reserve. Resorts in Corbett also arrange for fishing and angling trips.

Jungle Safari
As a tourist, if you like to move with some wild animals or to have some special view of herds of elephants or different species of deers, Corbett National Park offers you with the facilities of Jungle Safari. One can look for nature safari, to have bird watching and enjoying the precious nature.

You can also have Jeep safari through the jungles of Corbett and if lucky enough can even spot some tigers. If adventurous further or to have some memorable moments, can take up an Elephant safari, really amazing experience. Resorts in Corbett arrange the required facilities.

 Elephant Safari: Elephant safari provide a perfect opportunity to see the jungle in its full glory sitting royally on the back of an elephant. Since, the elephants walk through different terrains, crossing a village, the rider gets to see a different wildlife. One will be able to see some mammal species like wild elephants, barking deer, ghoral, sambhar, rhesus monkey, Wild boar, jackal, porcupine, langur, etc. The elephant also gives a better access to view the birds as you are stationed at a certain height.

 Jeep Safari: A jeep safari is also a great way to check out the natural wonders of Corbett National Park. In fact, jeep safari is the most popular attraction of this natural reserve. Jeeps can be taken on rent from the Tourist Lodge of KMVN, from Ramnagar or from other travel agencies. Viewing the entire range of flora and fauna on a jeep will be an unforgettable journey for the visitors. Jeep safari is most suitable for those who want to take a quick look through the reserve.

River Rafting
River Kosi invites its guests to have a rafting in the most exciting breezy and calm waters of Kosi. The Corbett catchment area have many camping facilities and resorts, they arrange the equipments and facilities for river rafting. Really an adventurous water sports, most of the visitors in Corbett National Park, undertake this wonderful passion.

Trekking
Walking inside the Corbett Park is not allowed but you have the option to trek in the forest reserves around the park. Step into your trekking shoes and wear natural earth colors when you go on trekking. Be prepared for the freezing cold in winters. Don’t forget to take your binocular along. Take care not to disturb the natural habitat of the reserve and make minimum noise.

Wildlife Sighting
Sighting the exquisite wild life in Jim Corbett National park is going to be the ultimate fun. Apart from tigers, leopards and lesser cats such as leopard cat, jungle cat and fishing cat are also to be sighted in the Corbett Park. The other wild life attractions include the sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, dhole, jackal, yellow throated marten, Himalayan palm civet, Indian grey mongoose, common otter, porcupine, and black naped hare. Elephants are another major attraction and are to be seen all over the park. Four species of deer are also found which include barking deer, para, kakkar, and the spotted deer.